For the price there is no competition. This bike comes with better components and brakes than other brands. Bikes at this price range typically come with cheaper cable brakes, but this one comes with hydraulics! All the equipment is better, even the tires.

I bought this bike around 6 months ago and am starting to slowly get more and more aggravated with it. I ride 3-4 times a week on advanced trails and this bike was clearly not meant for it.The suspension fork is pretty much rock hard even when on.(I'm 149lbs) The brakes are absolutely terrible and the gears shift pretty bad. Starting to realized Trek uses cheap products on most of their bikes. Going to be trading this in very soon to get a different bike. Would not buy trek again.

It is a great bike for the price. It looks cooler than bikes that cost almost double the price. Not recommended for extreme or downhill riding but it is more than good for cross country or trail riding

I've only had the bike for about two months now, and for my local trails it has worked fine. I haven't had any real problems with this bike either, except for the fact that the suspension fork only has the options open or closed. I would prefer a way to have it only half way open. Other than that I cannot complain about the bike for the price.

Just purchased the Marlin 5. And I must say it is an awesome mt bike. Glad I shopped locally too, as I almost bought a my. Bike online.ive owned other Trek Mt. Bikes and this is the best one by far, my last one was a Trek 820. So I'm glad I got this Marlin 5, handles excellent and love the 29 inch wheels. Viper red looks really good for this bike too.